By Juliana Johar
KLANG, Sept 10 — The recitation of poems, verses, and the melodious sound of gambus music marks Klang’s 133rd anniversary, at Plaza Majlis Perbandaran Klang yesterday evening.
Klang Municipal Council (MPK) President Noraini Roslan said the achievement of over a century of Klang’s administration, now managed by MPK, is truly remarkable as it will soon be elevated to the status of a city.
“The programme was organised to celebrate MPK’s 133rd anniversary, and Alhamdulillah, Klang is set to become the fourth local authority (in Selangor) to be elevated to city status and MPK will soon be known as Majlis Bandaraya Diraja Klang.
“The poetry performance showcased here also features the works of poems, verses, and nazams which demonstrate the beauty of the rapidly developing Klang,” she said after attending the Malam Klang Dalam Puisi 133 event, in conjunction with the anniversary celebration.
National Laureate Datuk Rahman Shaari presented his series of poems during the event, as did Tokoh Budaya Negeri Selangor recipient Syed Mahadzir Syed Ibrahim and former University of Malaya Malay Literature lecturer Raja Rajeswari Seetha Raman.
Also present was Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Arts and Culture lecturer Sheikh Suhaimi Sheikh Abdul Rahim.
The gambus music was performed by Mohd Zulhafis Zulkeply, while poetry was recited by SMK (J) Kwang Hua student Leong Siaw Chien, and songs by the singer Hasnol who sang Laguku Untukmu.
On July 26, the Federal government approved the proposal to upgrade MPK to city status, with the official ceremony set to be announced after receiving the consent of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor.